Sutton Police officers are asking residents to be aware of a man who has demanded money from an elderly female resident for work on her home he has not carried out.

The trickster approached the 84-year-old woman in the street near her home in Malden Road, Cheam, and told her he had just undertaken some work on her chimney to stop the rain coming through her roof.

He went back to her house and told her that the cost was £450. The woman gave the man what cash she had available - £160 - and he left.

During their conversation the man told the victim that he knew her because he had done some work on her house on a previous occasion, which initially confused the woman as she had had some building work undertaken some years ago. This incident took place on 11th March.

PC Gill Nolan of Cheam Safer Neighbourhoods Team said the man, who wore dark clothing and a hat, could still be operating in the area. “We need residents to be vigilant and call police on 999 if you see him.”

Sutton’s Crime Prevention Team urged residents that they should not let unknown and unexpected callers into their homes and to always check for identification: “If in doubt, keep them out,” advised PC Pat Simcox.

For further crime prevention advice call the team direct on 020 8649 0569.

Sutton Council has a directory of reputable traders, called the Safer Sutton Trader Scheme, which is available to all householders. For further details about traders listed on the directory call 020 8770 5070 or find it online at www.sutton.gov.uk.